APPLICATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER GRANTS 2015 NOW OPEN

Community organisations in the Hunter electorate can now apply for Australian Government grants worth up to $5,000 to support their volunteers.

Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon today encouraged not-for-profit organisations in the Hunter electorate to apply for the grants worth between $1,000 and $5,000.

“The Australian Government has invested $20 million in Volunteer Grants 2015 in recognition of the valuable role of volunteers and to encourage volunteering in the local community,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“The grants are that little bit of extra support for organisations and their volunteers to continue their great work in our local community.

“Organisations in the Hunter electorate can use the funding to buy much-needed small equipment items, such as computers or first-aid kits.

“They can also be used to contribute to volunteers’ fuel costs, including transport costs for people with disability who are unable to drive, and help fund volunteers’ training courses and background checks,” he said.

Volunteers are an integral part of our culture, heritage and daily life - more than six million Australians volunteer each year.

Applications for Volunteer Grants 2015 close at 2pm AEDT on Wednesday, 9 December 2015